LARMAN CLAMOR (s/t) CD
LARMAN CLAMOR are two guys from North Germany, hard as it to believe that only two people make this thick, rich audio gumbo. On their self-titled debut CD, they play the blues, post-modern delta blues with licks of psychedelia, 1960's garage rock and heavy rock. This isn't completely original but nevertheless sounds as fresh and progressive as if LARMAN CLAMOR had invented their own musical genre. And although the band consists of only two members (R and V), you will hear more than just guitars, vocals and drums. There's also an organ which adds a nice 1970's vibe to songs as, for example, 'Buzz Bizarre'. Moreover, LARMAN CLAMOR love to incorporate a couple of sonic gimmicks that lend the included seven songs a distinctive character.
However, it is particularly interesting here to note the different contrasts within the songs like in the opener 'Ghost Daze & Rhythm'. Bluesy, acoustic guitars (that sound as if they have been taken from an old John Lee Hooker record) contrast with a fuzzy heaviness which provides a very cool sound picture. On the contrary, 'Drone Embassy' is more influenced by 1960's garage rock whereas 'Dark Box, Locked Secretly' evokes an eerie, swampy atmosphere. This is one of the few instrumental tracks here where only an acoustic guitar can be heard, and nothing else. In these moments it becomes apparent that these guys have learnt their delta blues lesson.
This also applies to the last song, 'Inside The Black Beam', which is my absolute fave on this debut. So, if you were wondering if these cats can play the blues with conviction then you will find a positive answer in both tracks. I have to admit though that I don't like each song. 'Let Slip The Bees Of War' annoys me with its obtrusive party mood, primarily due to the vocals. On the whole, I like V's vocals but there are also a few moments where his style doesn't fit so well with the music. But in all, LARMAN CLAMOR has made a good start. Their music is gritty, earthy, playful and keenly experimental. Nice going!
(KK)